The fuel material samples were being tested under the Fission Accelerated Steady-State Testing method developed at Idaho National Laboratory, which is described as “an accelerated irradiation technique that uses Highly Enriched Uranium to reach high burnup conditions faster than conventional test methods”.
The samples will now be cooled down over the coming months before post-irradiation examination which Lightbridge says will “support the broader testing programme aimed at confirming the safety, performance, and economic advantages of Lightbridge Fuel relative to conventional nuclear fuel used in commercial reactors worldwide”.
John Wagner, Laboratory Director of Idaho National Laboratory, said: “The Advanced Test Reactor is the world’s most powerful test reactor and provides unique national capabilities. The data being generated from this campaign with Lightbridge contributes to the broader scientific understanding of advanced nuclear fuel performance under irradiation … and we look forward to continuing this work with the Lightbridge team through post-irradiation examination and the additional testing campaigns ahead.”
Seth Grae, President and CEO of Lightbridge, said: “The data already developed at the Advanced Test Reactor is a meaningful validation of the innovation and engineering behind Lightbridge Fuel. The data to be collected during the planned post-irradiation examination are expected to support our ongoing fuel performance modelling activities and regulatory licensing efforts for commercial deployment of Lightbridge Fuel.”
A capsule with an irradiation sample inside, after irradiation (Image: Lightbridge)
Irradiation testing involves exposing materials to intense irradiation conditions, to study the effects of those conditions on reactor materials and fuels. The Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory is a one-of-a-kind pressurised water test reactor which operates at very low pressures and temperatures compared to a large commercial nuclear power plant, and produces neutrons – rather than heat – as its main output. It is the only US research reactor capable of providing large-volume, high-flux thermal neutron irradiation in a prototype environment.
Lightbridge Fuel is described by the company as a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light-water reactors and pressurised heavy-water reactors which it says significantly enhances reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance. It is also developing Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors.
